Teaching

Teaching Philosophy

A world-renowned lecturer and educator, Professor Sadoway has been influencing young minds for over 30 years. His lecture style is unique in that his lessons extend far beyond the science and engineering principles of interest. Real-world examples from industry are often included, but even more exceptional are his efforts to place the science in a cultural context. Literature, music, and popular jargon contemporary to the science are incorporated into his lectures. Professor Sadoway is an adamant believer in the concept of spiral learning and a defender of the notion that links between disciplines — and between people — are what fuel Sciences’ drive forward.

Teaching Awards

The Everett Moore Baker Memorial Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching is presented to faculty members, in recognition of exceptional interest and ability in the instruction of undergraduates. This is the only teaching award in which the nomination and selection of the recipients is done entirely by the students. The award is given in memory of Everett Moore Baker, Dean of Students from 1947-1950.

Bose Award for Teaching, School of Engineering, 1997

The Bose Award for Excellence in Teaching was established in 1989 by the School of Engineering to recognize outstanding contributions to undergraduate education by members of its faculty. The award stands as a tribute to one of the School’s finest teachers, Dr. Amar Bose, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and founder of the Bose Corporation. This award may be given annually to a faculty member whose teaching contributions over an extended period of time are characterized by dedication, care, creativity, and inspiration to students and colleagues.

MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 1995-2005

Beginning in 1992, members of the faculty who are outstanding teachers have been selected as Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellows. Appointment as a MacVicar Faculty Fellow recognizes faculty who have made exemplary and sustained contributions to the teaching, mentoring, and education of undergraduates at MIT.

The Graduate Student Council Teaching Awards are given each year to one professor or teaching assistant from each school, for excellence in teaching a graduate level course.

Courses Taught

3.014 – Materials Laboratory

Years Taught: 2012 – present

Experimental exploration of the connections between energetics, bonding and structure of materials, and application of these principles in instruments for materials characterization. Demonstration of the wave-like nature of electrons. Hands-on experience with techniques to quantify energy (DSC), bonding (XPS, AES, FTIR, UV/vis and force spectroscopy), and degree of order (x-ray scattering) in condensed matter. Investigation of structural transitions and structure-property relationships through practical materials examples. Practice in oral and written technical communication. It is strongly recommended that 3.012 and 3.014 be taken simultaneously.